I speak not in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever situation I am in, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I have learned how to both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:11-13 (KJV)
We, most likely, are willing to quote verse 13 and rightfully so, but we probably are not so quick to enjoy the two verses that proceed it. Think about it, how many mealtimes do you remember that you had to miss because there was no food in the house? I can’t remember any. Our meals might have consisted of beans and taters but we still had food on the table.
There are many people in the world who are wondering if they will have a next meal. Some are in a war zone; some are in the midst of a drought which has caused famine in their countries; still others are sick and alone.
Once, when I was much younger, I decided to teach our teens about those who were starving for lack of a nourishing meal. So, I cooked a pot of rice. Rather I undercooked a pot of rice and gave each teen a small bowl of it and a glass of water. It was a “meal” that most of them could not chew—literally and they would not eat it. So my illustrated lesson went exactly (well almost) according to plan. One girl said she liked rice.
Most of us know how to abound but have no experience in how to be abased by being in want. Am I right? Most of us have never been put in a situation where we had to trust God for our next meal. For that I am thankful to God. Even though we might not have been destitute; we can still say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We all know that He is the One who gives us the strength to continue the fight against the enemy of our souls.
So, even though your stomachs are full today; remember, if your spirit is empty, God will restore you and strengthen you. Call on the Lord today. Through Christ you can do all things when you are restored. Amen and amen.
